Agency workers set for pay increase

Agency workers are set to enjoy improved pay if a new EU directive is introduced.

The Department of Health is facing an increase in its wage bill of €30m if the Agency Worker Directive comes into force.

The directive is set to come into effect next week, but the Jobs Minister Richard Burton had attempted to delay its introduction here.

However, the deal fell apart last evening when unions and employers failed to agree.

Business group IBEC has warned that the measure will cost jobs.